Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-02-19
SOUTH FLoRIDA's EXPOSITION.
Hernando's EXhibit-What Ormond
and the Halifax Section Show.

and the Halifax Section Show.
ORLANDO. FLA, Feb. 17.-"Isn't this
wonderful" exclaimed an old New Jer-
seyman this morning, as he stood looking
at the vegetables before him at the fair.
"Why, Eve never seen anything like this
in Jersey. 1t beats us all hollsr-and In
winter, toow And the old gentleman
was only one among the hundreds OF
Northern visitors and prespectors who
uttered the same sentiment. To-day is
the great day, so far, and all Orlando Is
| overrun with the immense crowds that
pour in on every train.
At the Exposition hall and grounds
many improvements and additions have
been made, and everything Is in very
complete order.
The fernando exhibit, occupying
nearly one-Quarter of the main building,
is the cynosure Of all eyes, and we'll does
II deserve 1t. 1t comprises one Of the
most varied and valuable displays that
has ever been seen in Florida. In the
centre of their hail is beautiful rustic
arbOr, the handiwork of Mr.. Cash
Thomas, the energetic and indefatigable
Commissioner from fernando.
The uprights are composed of
very artistoally cut pine and
oak twigs, which are intertwined
with moss and beautiful Towering jassa-
mine and dotted at intervals all around
the structure with clusters of oranges,
grape fruit, etc. The rOofis covered with
climbing vines, and the top Is crowned
by huge bald-headed eagle that but a
few weeks before dlsported in Hernando's
woods. Inside are clusters OF oranges at
the sides, while the centre is occupied by
a handsome fruit display that certainly
looks most tempting. The base outside is
made of bundles OF oats, neatly arranged.
At the sides seats are now placed so the
wearied sightSeer can rest and take il
ali in. 1t is veritable bower of beauty,
and Is admired by all.
Ranged along the walls is the balance
OF Hernandez display. Among them we
noted fine lot OF orange, scuppernong
and blackberry wines-all home made:
orange vinegar; some very good speci-
mems OF spOnges found off the fernando
coast; silk cOcoons and raw silk, and
a beautiful collection of shells and mari
from their mari hummocks. Passing
these we were shown what Florida soil
would produce-corn, oats (stalks OF lat
ter Z feet high), wheat (from South
American soil), upland rice, showing
heads large and full of grain, thrifty tea
plants, tobacco plants OF good size. show
ing vigorous growth; cane, with great
heavy stalks 10 to II feet high; most
complete assortment of homemade cane
syrup, clear as amber; sugar, white and
brown; canned and picked oysters from
the celebrated Crystal river section; and
many other substantial" products
of like nature. In the vegetable depart
ment we found that Hernandez products
are not less large and varied; certainly
we saw here some magnificent specimens.
In native woods their display was a sur
prise to even old residents. We noted
fine specimens of cedar, magnolia, ash,
hickory, soft maple, cherry, white oak,
elm, bay and pine. One cut of the latter
wood, 40 feet from the ground, is feet in
circumference.
ALL THE CEDAR
for the well-knOwn Dixon lead pencil
comes from this county. Dixon's mill
at Crystal River employs some 200 men.
10 furs they show otter, deer, fox, coon
and other pelts. In citrus fruits their
display is large and varied and
includes some very fine varieties of good
size and color. The ladies' department
shows some exquisite handiwork of pen
Gil, brush and needle, and receives its
full share of complimentary notice. Mr..
Thomas has large oil painting { his own
work, by the way, showing the different
fruits and products OF their county. In
picture occupies a prominent position on
the wall of the main hall, and occupies a
space SKIS feet. Even as a work of art it
ls commendaDle, and as piece of pluck
and energy in advertising his county it
ce rtainly deserves great praise. Several
paintings by BrOOksville ladies occupy
the wall, and pretty and effective
sketch in oil, by Senator Mann's young
daughter (only IA years OF age deserves
,.nn Sar l.
rect eye and good idea of colors, and
mas natural abilities of a high order.
Altogether the Brooksville exhibit is
such an one as will naturally interest
those who desire to know fully what can
can be raised here and what resources
Florida has. From these convincing
specimens before them, even the most
doubling Thomas is convinced, while
others who were interested before are
now fully settled IN their good opinion of
the Sunny Land. The exhibit is in charge
Il. Eichendaub, W. +. Jackson, Mr.. and
Mrs. b. +. Benway.
Hillsboro has small but very good ex-
hIblt OF vegetables, homemade syrups,
preserves and wines and some very nice
specimens of citrus fruits. Plant City
and Clear Water Harbor are about the
only places that sent exhibits. All praise
to them for their pluck and energy.
AT oRMoND's
exhibit we find Mr.. j John Anderson, one
of the go-ahead sort. to whose pluck and
perseverance the HALIFAX owes this fine
display. 1t is wholly of citrus fruits, and
is one OF the finest In the hall. Among
tie novelties we noted the spice and
Myrtle oranges, the conical Chinese
kelm-quab (tor preserving) and others.
Also hardy specimen OF the lime, FROST
proof. Fine specimens Of Harris Tardive,
valuable late orange, is shown. On the
Halifax it has proven good. AS the fruit
ripens very late and it remains on the
tree, juicy and perfect till June, 1t will
be noted az a most valued acquisition to
our list OF oranges. The iruit is all
perfect In form, OF good size and color,
and most luscious looking everyway. A
number Of fine Photographic views OF Or
mOnd and vicinity are shown; one par
ticularly giving view of a 3-year-old
grove, taken twenty days after the great
freeze OF 1886 and showing tho young
growth unhurt. Another fine view is
taken at the landing at Santa Lucia, Mr..
Anderson's home site, on the peninsula
opposite Ormond. 1t gives a pretty reach
through a banana grove, the scenery
being quite tropical.
LIST OF JUDGES.
Committee on County Premiums-Gen.
w. II. SebrIng, OF Levy; John Anderson,
Of Volusia; ID. III. Elliott, Duval Hon.
Frank Jones, New Hampshire; Hon. Mr..